Pakistan pip India to bronze medal

Pakistan won their first Champions Trophy medal since 2004 on Sunday, beating India 3-2 in the bronze medal play-off, depriving their arch-rivals of their first medal in more than 30 years. Hosts Australia won the title, beating the Netherlands 2-1 in extra time to win their fifth straight Champions Trophy title.

Pakistani champion Shakeel Abbasi said the bronze was as good as winning gold.

Pakistan beat India by the same score in the bronze medal showdown at Lahore eight years ago. India began the stronger Sunday, drawing a penalty corner in the opening minutes as the ball came off the foot of a Pakistani defender.

The goal was converted by VR Raghunath and India had all the momentum. However, Pakistan eventually worked their way back into the game, drawing level with a field goal from Muhammad Rizwan Senior on 21 minutes.

Pakistan continued to control the play after half-time, scoring twice more through Shafqat Rasool and Muhammad Ateeq. India continued to fight, scoring a penalty corner goal through Rupinder Pal Singh as the final siren sounded.